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As the trio finished their chant, they smirked and stood up, walking in different directions menacingly with smirks on their faces.

Here is the thing: Thanks to Ashtwo, Ash knew about these guys, so he knows two things: 1. They all have a full team of 6 each, and 2. Even though they are grunts, they each have the strength of an admin.

Ash was confident he could beat them one-on-one, but he also knew they wouldn't fight fair. They'd gang up on him, and their years of teamwork made them experts in coordinated assaults. Facing them head-on was impossible, especially in the cramped, crumbling ruins.

And none of that even mentioned the Elekid Ash was holding with his bare hands while everyone else was too preoccupied to help. The only one who even noticed Ash struggling with the Elekid was Shelly, who was standing behind him as he held her back, shielding her from the Pokémon's attacks.

The Team Rocket Elite Trio smirked as they focused on the newcomers.

"So, you kids made it in," Ken said with a sly grin. "But here's the thing: we've got the entrance blocked off~."

"Which means," Harry added, "you must've gotten in from somewhere else."

Ai stepped forward with a knowing smirk. "In other words, you broke open the secret chamber for us."

Bugsy flinched and shot a side-eye at Ethan, who scratched his cheek sheepishly before shaking his head. "Hold on! I only broke through some debris, and I'd bet anything you're the ones who caused that debris in the first place! How could I have opened anything with that?" he said defensively.

The trio laughed mockingly.

"Oh, kid, you don't even know," Ai said, snapping his fingers.

At his signal, a web shot out, wrapping around Ethan and Bugsy, binding their arms.

"W-What?!" Ethan exclaimed, struggling against the sticky bindings. Bugsy did the same, but to no avail.

"You'll never find out," Ai said with a smirk. "All you need to know is that you helped us out—a lot."

"Big bro!" Shelly cried, trying to run toward her brother. Ash stopped her, holding her back for her own safety while still grappling with the Elekid. He couldn't act carelessly. He needed to pick the right moment to strike, so for now, he was pretending to struggle.

The trio continued laughing as Ken walked forward with a smug expression. "Now we can just walk in and take the Symbol Pokémon. Our boss is going to be very pleased when we deliver them to him."

Just as Ken turned to walk past them, Ash's struggling expression turned into a confident smirk.

"Hey! You forgot something!" Ash called.

The trio turned just in time to see Ash not only overpowering the Elekid but also using it as a weapon, pointing its head directly at Ken. The prongs on Elekid's head made contact, and all its built-up electricity discharged straight into Ken.

"What the—GAAAAAAHH!!!" Ken screamed as volts of electricity coursed through him.

While holding the Elekid, Ash whistled sharply, signaling Pikachu. Pikachu, who had stayed behind earlier, leaped into action. With its tail glowing brightly, it used [Iron Tail] like a blade, slashing through the webs, binding Bugsy and Ethan.

As they broke free, Ash kicked Ken's leg to unbalance him and hurled the Elekid straight at Ai, who was commanding his Spinarak to shoot more webs.

Ash grabbed Shelly, who was clearly too shaken to run on her own and turned to the group. "What are you waiting for? Get moving, NOW!"

The archaeologists nodded and began running back the way Ash and the others had come. Meanwhile, Ash dragged Shelly alongside him as he ran next to Ethan and Bugsy. Behind them, the Team Rocket Elite Trio was recovering and preparing to give chase.

As they ran, Ethan glanced at Ash. "Hey, why are we running? We can take them, can't we?"

Ash nodded. "I think we could, but the problem is those archaeologists. I don't know if you noticed, but they have no way to defend themselves. Plus, if we fight in these ruins, they might collapse on us."

Bugsy nodded in agreement. "Ash is right. Even if we're confident we can take them, it's not worth the risk."

Ethan sighed but nodded. "I get it. So, what's the plan? We can't just keep running—these ruins are like a maze. I don't even know how you managed to navigate this place."

"I don't have time to explain," Ash said, his eyes scanning ahead. "But if you really want to know, I'll give you an in-depth explanation once we're out of here!"

Suddenly, Ash noticed something and stopped in his tracks. He pushed Shelly forward. "Keep running!" he commanded before spinning around.

"Pikachu, [Counter Shield]!"

Pikachu leaped off Ash's shoulder, flipping through the air. Its tail sparked with electricity as it swiped down, blocking an incoming [Psywave] from the Girafarig Henry was riding to catch up with them.

Ash gritted his teeth. "These guys are persistent," he muttered, spotting Ken and Ai not far behind.

"W-What do we do…?" Shelly asked, still shaking.

Ash glanced around, trying to form a plan. Just then, he felt a familiar weight on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Abra finally back.

"It's about time!" Ash exclaimed.

He grabbed the fox and handed it to Shelly. "Get out of here with the archaeologists. I can hold them off for a bit."

Shelly froze. "W-Wait, n-no! We can't just abandon you here—you matter too!"

Bugsy placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her back. "He won't. I'll stay, too."

"Well, if you two are staying, then I guess I have no choice either," Ethan said with a smile, stepping next to Ash.

Shelly gulped. She wanted to say something—maybe even declare she wanted to stay and fight with them. But she was scared nervous, and didn't want to disobey her brother or let him down.

"O-Okay…" Shelly said reluctantly, looking down. "But promise me you'll all be safe… Please."

"Don't worry about it, we'll be fine," Ash said confidently as he stepped into the center, holding out a Pokéball and facing the charging Henry. "Because I'll protect you!"

He threw the Pokéball, and out came Blastoise, who stomped on the ground, catching Girafarig mid-charge with a smirk. With a swift motion, Blastoise hurled Girafarig backward, sending Henry sprawling along with it.

Henry and Girafarig skidded across the floor of the ruins, landing at the feet of Ken and Ai. "Gah! Damn you, kid! You'll pay for that!" Henry snarled.

As Henry stood, his Girafarig staggered upright beside him. Ken released his Machamp, and Ai let out his Gengar.

Bugsy and Ethan ran up to Ash, each gripping a Pokéball. "Don't forget about us!" Ethan said with a grin.

They threw their Pokéballs at the same time, revealing a Yanmega and Aibo the Ambipom as they stood next to Blastoise.

As they moved forward, the current matchups were Machamp vs. Blastoise, Yanmega vs. Gengar, and Aibo vs. Girafarig.

Machamp and Blastoise ran forward first, grabbing each other's hands and trying to overpower the other with brute strength.

Behind them, Yanmega and Gengar flew up to confront each other, while Aibo and Girafarig clashed on the side.

"Gengar, use [Shadow Ball]!" Ai commanded.

But Bugsy didn't let it happen. "I don't think so. [Protect], then [Psychic], Yanmega!"

As the ball of shadow approached, Yanmega created a light blue shield, blocking the attack. Its ability, Speed Boost, activated, making it faster. Its eyes glowed purple as Gengar was enveloped in a purple light, sending it crashing onto the floor.

Meanwhile, Aibo and Girafarig were clashing in the center, with Girafarig headbutting an incoming tail fist from Aibo.

"Now, [Return]!" Ethan and Henry shouted in unison.

Aibo and Girafarig started clashing over and over again, but Aibo had the advantage with two ways to attack, using both of its tails. Girafarig, on the other hand, could only rely on its head. Moreover, Aibo liked Ethan way more than Girafarig liked Ai.

With a spin, Aibo clashed with Girafarig one more time before bringing down another fist and striking the back of its head, sending the giraffe to the ground. However, as it fell, the back part of Girafarig's tail came up and bit one of Aibo's tails.

As this battle was going on, Shelly was running as fast as she could with Abra in her arms, hugging her tightly as she tried to catch up with the archaeologists.

When she reached them, she found the group catching their breath after so much running. She ran up to them. "E-Everybody!"

"Shelly? Where's Bugsy and those other two?" the expedition team leader asked.

"T-They're holding off those bad people. U-Um…" Shelly said, looking down at Abra and holding it out. "T-They told me to use this to get us out of here."

"What? But we can't just leave Bugsy!" another member said, his voice slightly raised—not out of anger, but from surprise and shock.

"B-But… h-he told me to," Shelly stammered, starting to shake as her nerves caught up with her. "T-They told me when we get out, th-"

She was cut off as the walls suddenly shook, vibrations coming from the ongoing battle.

Shelly looked at them pleadingly. "Please, just trust me. The sooner we get out, the sooner they can come out with us!"

The archaeologists looked at each other. Even though they were die-hard Bugsy fans, they couldn't say no to the desperate look on Shelly's face. Sighing, they nodded and formed a circle, each holding onto Abra.

Once everyone was in place, Abra teleported them out. What they didn't see, however, was that the clash had started waking the Unown. Slowly, the Unown began detaching themselves from the walls.

—

The battle was fiercely contested. Girafarig was on its last legs while Gengar was struggling, its attacks repeatedly failing to connect with the nimble Yanmega. The real problem was Machamp, trading heavy blows with Blastoise. Ash could take him down easily, but the problem is if he went all out, this whole place would collapse on them.

Ash took charge, pointing sharply at Machamp, "Blastoise, use [Ice Punch]!"

Ken smirked, barking his own order. "Machamp, counter with [Brick Break]! End this brat!"

Both Pokémon charged their attacks, their fists glowing with opposing energy—icy blue for Blastoise, fiery red for Machamp. The blows collided midair with a deafening crack, the impact shaking the unstable ruins. Dust rained from above, and the dormant Unown along the walls stirred faintly in response to the vibrations.

Neither side relented. Machamp used its lower arms to grip Blastoise's forelimbs, trapping the water type in place. With its upper arms, it delivered a barrage of punches to Blastoise's sturdy shell. Each blow echoed through the chamber like a drumbeat.

Blastoise grunted under the assault but stayed steady. Seizing a momentary opening, it lowered its head and delivered a powerful headbutt, knocking Machamp slightly off balance. Without hesitation, its shoulder-mounted cannons locked onto Machamp's face.

"Now, [Hydro Pump]!" Ash commanded.

Twin jets of water surged from the cannons with incredible force, slamming directly into Machamp's head. The impact sent the fighting type flying backward into a stone wall, creating a deep crater upon impact. The force of the attack sent tremors rippling through the ruins once more, further rousing the slumbering Unown.

Ken grit his teeth, frustration etched across his face. "Machamp, get back up! Don't let that overgrown turtle show you up!"

Ash stood firm, his gaze unwavering. "Blastoise, stay on guard. We can't let them gain any ground!"

The ruins groaned ominously, cracks spidering along the walls and ceiling. The dormant Unown began to blink to life, their eyes glowing faintly as the vibrations of the battle disturbed their centuries-long slumber.

As the trio struggled to hold their ground, the mysterious symbols on the walls suddenly sprang to life. The figures opened their eyes, pulling themselves free from the stone and beginning to hover in an eerie, synchronized dance.

The group froze in shock. "T-the symbols… they're not just about the Pokémon," Bugsy stammered. "They are the Pokémon!"

Ken grinned smugly. "Well, that makes things easier. No need to go looking for them anymore."

The Unown began to move, forming a swarm that filtered toward the entrance Ethan had created. Their intent was clear—they were trying to escape into the world.

"Ai, stop them!" Ken barked.

Ai pointed toward the swarm. "Gengar, don't let them get away! [Shadow Ball]!"

Gengar darted forward, but before it could act, Yanmega emerged from the shadows and delivered a powerful [Crunch], sending the ghostly Pokémon crashing back to the ground.

Meanwhile, Ash glanced back and saw Abra reappear, safely tucked into his jacket. He turned to his companions. "Abra got everyone out! Let's move!"

Blastoise quickly erected an ice wall to slow down their pursuers, giving Ash just enough time to recall him. Ethan and Bugsy nodded, sprinting ahead with their Pokémon following close behind.

Behind them, Ken's Machamp shattered the ice barrier with a single punch. "After them! We can't let the Unown escape!" he bellowed.

The trio fled through the crumbling ruins as attacks whizzed past them, deflected by Pikachu and Yanmega. With every step, the sound of the ancient structure groaning under stress grew louder.

Abra teleported into Ash's jacket, its small form trembling slightly from exertion. Ash glanced at the others. "Abra's ready—we can teleport out. What's the plan?"

Bugsy's face hardened. "We can't let them get the Unown, no matter what! If those guys get their hands on them, who knows what kind of damage they'll cause!"

"So what do we do?" Ethan asked, glancing back at the approaching enemies. "If we don't stop them here, they'll get to the Unown. But this place is coming down!"

Bugsy clenched his fists. "If it means protecting the Unown, we'll have to collapse this part of the ruins. Go ahead, I'll take the heat for it!"

Ash and Ethan nodded as Ash turned to them "Leave it to me."

He stopped running, Pikachu leaping from his shoulder and landing in front of him. Sparks danced along the electric mouse's cheeks, Ever since he stole all that electricity from Raikou, Pikachu got stronger and got a new move.

"Alright, bud," Ash said, clapping his hands together. "Let's show them what we've been working on. Ready?"

Pikachu nodded, electricity surging around him with an intense blue glow.

The trio of grunts appeared around the corner, sending more Pokémon after them. Pikachu's electricity pulsed dangerously as Ash gave the command.

"Pikachu, [Thunderclap]!"

Pikachu unleashed a bolt of lightning that struck the ground with incredible force. The impact released a deafening bang, a blinding flash of light, and a shockwave that sent their enemies reeling. The sheer force caused the already fragile walls to crack and groan under pressure.

The trio of grunts shielded their eyes, disoriented. But their relief turned to horror as they noticed the walls around them starting to collapse. Stone by stone, the ancient structure began to give way, sealing them inside.

"Ash, the cracks are spreading!" Bugsy yelled, pointing toward the growing fissures creeping toward them.

Ash didn't hesitate. "Grab on!" he shouted, dashing over to Bugsy and Ethan. He pulled them close, and in one swift motion, Abra teleported them out.

Behind them, the ruins crumbled entirely, burying the area in a massive cloud of dust and stone.

When they reappeared, they found themselves back in town. Ash quickly steadied himself while Ethan and Bugsy tumbled to the ground. As they opened their eyes, they were greeted by the team and Shelly, happy to see them safe.

The first to rush forward was Shelly. She ran straight to Bugsy, throwing her arms around him. "Big bro, I'm so happy you're okay!"

Bugsy patted her gently on the back. "Hey, it's alright, Shelly."

But Shelly shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm sorry for being such a useless sister. I just… I just wanted you to notice me. But I messed up again—just like I always do."

Bugsy knelt slightly, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Shelly, don't say that about yourself. You're not useless, and you're not a burden. I've never thought that—not even once. You're great, just the way you are. You don't have to prove anything to me or anyone else."

Shelly's throat tightened as his words sank in. She had always been self-conscious, haunted by a nagging fear that she wasn't enough—that she was the source of Bugsy's problems. But hearing his reassurance now… it was more than she ever thought she deserved. A small, shaky smile formed on her face.

Bugsy smiled back, then motioned toward Ash. "But there's someone else you should thank."

Ethan slid into view, grinning. "Well, hello—"

Before he could finish, Bugsy calmly placed a hand on Ethan's face and shoved him aside. "Not you."

Ethan stumbled backward with a muffled protest as Bugsy continued, "I meant Ash. He's the one who protected Shelly from that Elekid, and we wouldn't have made it out without him."

Shelly's cheeks flushed as she remembered how Ash had pulled her close to shield her during the attack. She glanced at him shyly, fiddling with her fingers. "U-um… Ash… t-thank you for everything. W-would you, maybe… want to be… f-friends?"

One of the archaeologists teased from the side. "Friends, huh? Is that all?"

Shelly's blush deepened. "Y-yeah! I-I don't have many friends… so if you don't want to, that's okay…"

Ash chuckled softly, stepping forward and resting a hand on her shoulder. "Of course. Let's be friends."

Shelly's face lit up with a radiant smile. But before the moment could get too sentimental, Ethan's stomach let out a loud growl.

"Uh, sorry about that," Ethan said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I guess I never did finish my lunch."

The group erupted into laughter as Bugsy shook his head. "Well, I suppose lunch wouldn't be the worst idea. What do you all think? You've been trapped down there for a while—you must be starving."

"Yeah, I could eat."

"Kinda."

"I'm starving!"

The archaeologists chimed in, one after another.

Bugsy grinned and clapped his hands together. "Alright, then. Lunch is on me!"

The group cheered—Ethan loudest of all—as they headed off to enjoy a well-earned meal together.

---

Long chapter because I didn't want to drag this out